Finding a Rhythm

As a fan, do you ever get that “gameday” feeling? Can you feel the energy as you make your way to the stadium? I can. I first felt it many years ago, at one of my first NFL games. Everybody’s walking in the same direction approaching the stadium. Almost everybody’s cheering for the same team. Who knows what will happen on this day? There’s a palpable excitement in the air as you approach the gates, find your seat, and wait for the action to begin.

Once you become a season ticket holder for something, you begin to anticipate that electricity a bit. At least, I know I do. If it’s a game day, I wake up a little easier. Fix coffee a little quicker, and find my way to work a little better. My day moves along a little smoother because it’s GAME DAY! Perhaps it’s just me, but I get that way even for the minor league sports we enjoy so much here in the Lehigh Valley.

Over the years, as a full season ticket holder for IronPigs Baseball, I get in a rhythm of “home stand” and “road trip.” When the ‘Pigs are at home, I’m accustomed to scheduling,and anticipating each and every game. Yes, things get put off and neglected (sorry, kids) but that’s what road trips are for. When the team’s away, there’s a chance to catch up on the housework, the lawn mowing and talking to the family. There’s an ebb and flow to it, and the season moves along quite nicely.

The SteelHawks are football. And football means once per week. Once the game is over, you know there will be another next week and it will be either “home” or “away.” Anyone who’s been an NFL fan knows how to fall into the rhythm of a football season quite easily.

But now there’s hockey. I admit I’m not the biggest hockey fan in the world, and tend to start paying attention around the time the NHL playoffs start. I know, I know. But now I’m excited for Phantoms hockey, and I’m ready for more of that hockey action! But hockey isn’t “every day” like baseball. And, it’s not “next weekend” like football. It’s fits and spurts, and I’m having trouble finding a rhythm in this young season. I need more “game days.” I know the players need a break. I know they have to play ‘away’ games. But now I’ve got to wait all the way until Friday for another game. Then, there will be two road games and another at home on Wednesday, then Saturday, then TWO WEEKS without a home game. There will be a point in November-December where we’ll go 19 days without a home game. There’s another two-week stretch in March. I’ve got to learn to adapt, I guess.

Or, the arena’s gonna need another tenant. Not this season, but perhaps next we’ll be able to add D-League Basketball or MASL-Soccer. I think that would help me.

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News and Notes:

From the previous post: SteelHawks Schedule Release news conference and party, starting Wednesday at 2:30PM at the arena. Food and Drink specials in Chickie’s and Pete’s following. A NosieNation contingent is planning to attend. Join us, won’t you? Can’t get out of work? Stop by after for the social event.

Forward Scott Laughton (@Laughts21) was named CCM/AHL Player of the Week! His four goals in two games earned him the recognition. Good job, Scotty! We’re looking for more!

Monday is “Phantoms – Breaking the Ice” show on SECTV-2, which films live at 7PM (I believe) at Chickie’s and Pete’s. Tonight’s guests are expected to be: Forwards Brett Hextall and the aforementioned Scott Laughton! Stop by C+P or watch on SECTV-2.